It has creeped up on us once again; Halloween is here! Although Halloween is a favorite holiday among many, most are unaware of its origins. Early evidence of Halloween can be traced back about two thousand years to the Celtic festival called Samhain. Samhain, meaning “summer’s end,” marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter.
It was at this time, the Celts believed, that the border to the world of the dead was the weakest, allowing for spirits to cross the boundary and roam among the living. This annual crossing called for celebration. Samhain included feasts, bonfires, and dances in homage to the dead.
Nevertheless, the Celtic people were wary of evil spirits that may have been among them. To disguise and protect themselves, people wore animal skins and heads, a practice called “guising.” This, of course, is a continuity to the core of Halloween today, the costumes.
Well, what about the name “Halloween?” In the seventh century, Pope Boniface IV created All Saint’s Day or All Hallows’ Day, celebrated May 13th. The day was filled with feasts and gatherings and was made to celebrate saints that did not have their own days. Two centuries later, Pope Gregory III moved the holiday to November 1st. This adoption of Samhain traditions by Irish Catholics effectively turned October 31st and Samhain into All Hallows’ Eve. Over time, these traditions were brought over to the U.S.
There is history behind trick-or-treating and carving pumpkins, too. The jack-o-lantern comes from an Irish folktale about a man named Stingy Jack. Stingy Jack was a con man and notoriously mischievous. After his death, Stingy Jack continued to roam the earth as a spirit, carrying a small lantern with an ember inside to guide him. With Stingy Jack’s story in mind, the Irish would hollow out turnips, carve faces into them, and place a candle inside to protect themselves from sprits like Jack while going out “souling.” To go souling meant to travel from house to house, asking for “treats.” Often times, children would put on small performances or “tricks” and be rewarded with soul-cakes.
Today, we may not wear animal skins or receive pastries as we knock on our neighbors’ doors, but we do carry with us traditions from thousands of years ago that have evolved over the ages.

Britannica
History.com
WorldHistory.org
History.com
Albany.edu